Remarks as delivered by Colonel (P) James O. Barclay III to Soldiers, Families, Civilians and Host Nation officials at Vilseck, Germany on July 07, 2005.

Distinguished guests, civilian and military leaders of the Vilseck community, fellow Soldiers and family members, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today’s change of command ceremony.

First, allow me to thank all the Soldiers and families within the 1st Infantry Division, the 3rd Brigade, and the 100th Area Support Group for your continuous contributions to training, operations and support to our Soldiers, families and community members. I congratulate you on a job well done and we thank you all for what you continue to do for your units and the Vilseck community. You are a team of teams which makes the Big Red One such a great place to serve.

CSM Baugh, the Soldiers of 3rd Brigade in formation today look absolutely magnificent—well done. Your leadership is evident and very much appreciated. CW2 Scott Macdonald, as always, the First Infantry Division Band makes us all very proud. Thank you for adding so much dignity and tradition to our ceremonies. Please join me in a round of applause for all these Soldiers who so well represent our Division.

Today we bid farewell to Colonel Dana Pittard and his family and watch as we turn the reigns of the brigade over to our own Lieutenant Colonel Michael Todd and his family.

Colonel Dana Pittard, his wife Lucielle, and sons Taylor and Jordan, joined the division three years ago. They leave an incredible legacy. Under Dana Pittard’s leadership, the Division’s 3rd Brigade has consistently set the highest of standards and remained committed to readiness and teamwork at all times.

Colonel Pittard took command in July 2002 and 3rd Brigade immediately began training for future high intensity conflict missions through gunnery densities and a Combat Maneuver Training Center rotation. The brigade then began the task of training to conduct peace enforcement operations culminating in a comprehensive mission readiness exercise that completed the preparation for the KFOR 4B deployment in support of Operation Joint Guardian.

Colonel Pittard and 3rd BCT deployed to Kosovo and served as the Deputy Commander for Maneuver. During KFOR 4B, the brigade performed exceptionally while sustaining critical combat skills, building credible institutions, maintaining coordinated efforts with Serbian and Macedonian counterparts, and keeping families informed.

Immediately following the 3rd brigade’s extended 9-month rotation in Kosovo, Colonel Pittard began the process of preparing the brigade for the division’s deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

The Duke Brigade has helped define full-spectrum operations for the entire Army. From kinetic operations across the battle-space, to stability operations in Kosovo, and fighting the insurgency in Iraq. The brigade has truly created a new paradigm of agility! You trained and mentored Iraqi security forces to achieve new and higher standards of competency and to build world class joint coordination centers. Your hard work and tireless efforts were made clear for the whole world to see during the January 30th elections. We were all extremely proud to watch it all unfold. History will list this as a defining moment in Iraq.

Your hard work across the Diyala province and in cities like Baqubah and during out of sector missions to Najaf, Fallujah and Mosel made all the difference in the world. You set this region up for success and the Iraqi people responded. You worked non-stop to improve infrastructure and put the Iraqi people back to work. You improved infrastructure in the Diyala province to far above pre war levels by working in partnership with local Iraqi leaders to secure a better future for generations. You spearheaded more than 326 projects in all, valued at approximately $180 million. These projects concentrated on water, health care, education, power, roads and irrigation. You operated in a very complex and diverse battle space and did it to a very high standard. You should all be very proud of what you have accomplished – I know we are.

Dana, your personal, caring and committed style of leadership allowed this brigade to exceed all expectations over the past three years.

Lucielle has been a big part of the success of the 3rd brigade family readiness and support programs. Her impact has been felt across the Division’s footprint, especially in the Vilseck community. Lucielle, you are a special lady and we appreciate your hard work on behalf of the Soldiers and families of the Duke Brigade. Your efforts have improved the quality of life for those you have touched. Please allow me to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support of Dana, the soldiers, and the families of 3rd Brigade.

The Pittard family is moving on to Fort Riley, Kansas, where Dana will assume duties as the 24th infantry division’s assistant division commander for Maneuver. The Army has made a wise decision by choosing him for this important assignment. Dana and Lucielle, we will miss you both. Good luck and gods speed.

To Lieutenant Colonel Michael Todd, his wife Corinna, and children Cole, Connor and Michaela – I’m confident that you are up to the task at hand. You bring both commitment and caring leadership, keys to success here in the First Infantry Division.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd comes to us from the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor. Michael and Corinna—we are thrilled to have you on the team. We look forward to you taking the 3rd Brigade into the future and wish you and your family all the best.

Thank you all again for attending today’s ceremony and sharing in this important event. God bless each and every one of you, God bless this great Division, and God bless the United States of America. No mission too difficult, No sacrifice too great. Duty First!